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Recent rumors and gossip about MLBen-usMarlins’ Dan Straily ‘glad’ critical stars were tradedIt’s safe to say trading Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich weren’t popular moves among Miami Marlins fans, but at least one player is rather happy to see them gone.Starting pitcher Dan Straily admitted he was glad to see both players go, as they’d been critical of the team’s rebuilding plan.“I’m glad they’re gone,” Straily said Friday, via ESPN. “If they don’t want to be here, good for them.”Straily feels that the Marlins’ rebuild plan is necessary and is being executed well thus far.“I really agreed with what happened,” Straily said. “I feel like with the pieces they brought in, this might flip around a little quicker than people realize. I’m not saying today, but I’m excited to be here and try to mentor guys coming into the big leagues for the first time.”Straily added that Stanton’s complaints about the pitching staff last season were something of a motivator.“In a way,” Straily said, when asked if Stanton’s public venting about the staff was insulting. “It’s not like I was upset-insulted. It’s no sec16 Feb 2018 15:26:04 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/marlins_dan_straily_glad_critical_stars_were_traded/s1_127_25727186
http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/marlins_dan_straily_glad_critical_stars_were_traded/s1_127_25727186Marlins’ Dan Straily ‘glad’ critical stars were tradedhttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/marlins_dan_straily_glad_critical_stars_were_traded/s1_127_25727186http://www.yardbarker.com/media/2/6/2651f330e4d3905c4a0b202d432b87f91894bec9/top_story/10115034.jpgReport: Mets to sign Jason VargasThe Mets are in agreement with free-agent lefty Jason Vargas, pending a physical, reports Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports (via Twitter). It’s a two-year deal, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com (Twitter link). Mike Puma of the New York Post had recently reported that the Mets were maintaining “solid interest” in Vargas, who is represented by CAA Baseball.Puma tweets that Vargas’ contract also contains an option for a third year. Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com tweets that Vargas will be guaranteed $16MM. Heyman adds that Vargas’ deal also contains incentives that will allow him to earn an additional $1.5MM per season, based on his innings totals.The option year is worth an additional $8MM, DiComo reports (on Twitter).Vargas, who turned 35 two weeks ago, will add some much-needed stability to a Mets rotation that has been devastated by injuries in recent seasons. Last year alone, the Mets saw Noah Syndergaard, Matt Harvey, Steven Matz, Zack Wheeler, Seth Lugoand Robert Gsellman all combine to spend significant time16 Feb 2018 11:25:01 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mets_to_sign_jason_vargas/s1_13237_25724825
http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mets_to_sign_jason_vargas/s1_13237_25724825Report: Mets to sign Jason Vargashttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mets_to_sign_jason_vargas/s1_13237_25724825http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/e/8eb1317c0b7357f139fefd6d9811ef3ffb963933/top_story/10321163.jpgAngels owner says they are thinking about Mike Trout extensionLos Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno is not in a rush to extend Mike Trout, but he says the subject is on his mind.Trout signed a six-year, $144.5 million contract with the Angels in 2014 that carried him through 2020 and bought out some of his free agency years. Though he will still be with the Angels for a few more seasons, Trout is not the kind of player you want to let go. That’s why some are wondering if the sides have talked about an extension.“Let’s put it this way, it’s always in our minds,” Moreno said Thursday, via the OC Register. “We’re always thinking about it. If you look at long-term plans, you’re always trying to position yourself properly.”Moreno did note that there is no time pressure to get a deal done and that they don’t want to do anything in an “urgent” manner.The Angels seem to be handling Trout’s contract situation with caution. A report last year said that Trout’s side had proposed something of a lifetime deal with the Angels that would have run for 14 or 15 years before the sides eve15 Feb 2018 20:08:29 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/angels_owner_says_they_are_thinking_about_mike_trout_extension/s1_127_25719791
http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/angels_owner_says_they_are_thinking_about_mike_trout_extension/s1_127_25719791Angels owner says they are thinking about Mike Trout extensionhttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/angels_owner_says_they_are_thinking_about_mike_trout_extension/s1_127_25719791http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/a/fa33d60891efbe66a1a2e69518d38952f310d95d/top_story/10318924.jpgAnthony Rizzo gets emotional speaking at Stoneman Douglas vigilOne day after the tragic school shooting at Parkland’s Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Anthony Rizzo was in his hometown at a vigil for the victims.The Chicago Cubs first baseman — a Stoneman Douglas graduate — got understandably emotional during his speech. Rizzo also let his former school that it was not alone in the grieving process. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Rizzo offered his support while also saying “our country is in desperate need for change.”In Arizona, where the Cubs are gathering for spring training, Rizzo’s teammate and South Florida native, Albert Almora Jr. also shared his thoughts.“I played there a couple of times,” Almora said. “I mean, it could happen to anyone, man. Nowadays, you think twice about going somewhere, just ’cause things like that can happen at any time. And it’s really unfortunate. My prayers go out to all the victims and their families, and the people that were affected. Just to experience that will change your life forever. … The only thing th15 Feb 2018 19:43:24 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/anthony_rizzo_gets_emotional_speaking_at_stoneman_douglas_vigil/s1_12680_25719743
http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/anthony_rizzo_gets_emotional_speaking_at_stoneman_douglas_vigil/s1_12680_25719743Anthony Rizzo gets emotional speaking at Stoneman Douglas vigilhttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/anthony_rizzo_gets_emotional_speaking_at_stoneman_douglas_vigil/s1_12680_25719743http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/2/324edd629baa159d859b1a95489f3ec6e2680ea3/top_story/10293162.jpgSabathia reacts to Verlander’s thoughts on Yankees hypeCC Sabathia opted to more or less agree with how Justin Verlander took issue with how the New York Yankees are being hailed as front-runners in 2018, not the reigning World Series champion Houston Astros. “He is not lying,” Sabathia said of Verlander’s take, via the New York Post.Verlander started things off by reacting to comments made by MLB Network talking head Chris Russo in which it was opined that the Yankees, not the Astros, are the favorites to represent the AL in the World Series. Verlander doubled-downed on his rhetoric on Wednesday while speaking with reporters.“The American League goes through us,” Verlander said, via ESPN. “Those teams are going to have to beat us and I like being in that position. I like having a target on our back. I think it’s a good place to be. I think everyone in this locker room needs to understand it’s a new season and just because we won last year, we’re not afforded anything this season.”Sabathia was asked if Verlander’s tough talk about the Astros, who eliminated the Y15 Feb 2018 13:34:22 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cc_sabathia_reacts_to_justin_verlanders_thoughts_on_yankees_hype/s1_8061_25716791
http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cc_sabathia_reacts_to_justin_verlanders_thoughts_on_yankees_hype/s1_8061_25716791Sabathia reacts to Verlander’s thoughts on Yankees hypehttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cc_sabathia_reacts_to_justin_verlanders_thoughts_on_yankees_hype/s1_8061_25716791http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/8/48187297a111ba436ae2cf40d4018f796cfef81b/top_story/10609868.jpgFlorida school massacre hits close to home for Mets’ Anthony SwarzakNew York Mets relief pitcher Anthony Swarzak is among the several individuals from the world of sports who have now come forward to reveal how the tragic school shooting in Florida on Wednesday hits close to home.Swarzak, born in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., attended high school in Davie, Fla., which is about 25 miles away from Parkland, Fla., where suspect Nikolas Cruz, 19, opened fire on students. Seventeen have been confirmed dead and as of Thursday morning, per CNN, 14 additional wounded victims are being treated at area hospitals. Swarzak told the New York Post Thursday morning that his older sister and two younger cousins graduated from Stoneman Douglas High School.“I think that when stuff like this happens, you think it’s never going to happen here. Unfortunately, we’re in a day and age of a lot of conspiracy stuff and nobody knows what’s real or fake, or blah blah blah,” Swarzak said at First Data Field. “But when it happens so close to home and your phone is getting text messages and phone calls of people a15 Feb 2018 11:39:34 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/florida_school_massacre_hits_close_to_home_for_mets_anthony_swarzak/s1_8061_25715765
http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/florida_school_massacre_hits_close_to_home_for_mets_anthony_swarzak/s1_8061_25715765Florida school massacre hits close to home for Mets’ Anthony Swarzakhttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/florida_school_massacre_hits_close_to_home_for_mets_anthony_swarzak/s1_8061_25715765http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/3/e31b1d150b0bb59296b611949c45153bad01c124/top_story/10612807.jpgMLB exec: Scout was kicked out of free agent spring trainingMLB players have organized their own spring training for free agents who remain unsigned during an unusually slow offseason, but it’s unclear how those players are supposed to showcase their talents to teams.The MLBPA-sanctioned training camp began workouts Wednesday at IMG Academy in Florida, and at least one team sent a scout to take a look at some of the players. That scout was escorted off the premises. Tension is obviously extremely high between teams and players at the moment, with the latter accusing the former of collusion to keep salary numbers lower. The free agent training camp is more about making a point to MLB teams that free agent players don’t need them to stay in shape — not to showcase the skills that they believe have already proven they are worthy of market value deals.We know at least some of the top free agents on the market will not be attending the camp, and there’s a chance more dominos could fall now that Yu Darvish has inked a deal with the Cubs. Still, MLB scouts apparently aren’t 14 Feb 2018 22:36:32 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mlb_exec_says_scout_was_kicked_out_of_free_agent_spring_training/s1_127_25707746
http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mlb_exec_says_scout_was_kicked_out_of_free_agent_spring_training/s1_127_25707746MLB exec: Scout was kicked out of free agent spring traininghttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mlb_exec_says_scout_was_kicked_out_of_free_agent_spring_training/s1_127_25707746http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/2/e2982fc25a66dc9331f344ae8ec751719cb52ed4/top_story/10245214.jpgDerek Jeter won't say if Clemens, Bonds should be in HOFMiami Marlins co-owner Derek Jeter was asked this week during am interview whether or not Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds should be in the Hall of Fame, specifically due to their troubled association with PED accusations and suspected use.Jeter, who will one day of course be enshrined in Cooperstown himself, was asked about the polarizing issue during an interview with Jeff Glor that aired Wednesday on “CBS This Morning.” As transcribed by CBS Sports:
JEFF GLOR: So– (CLEARS THROAT) Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, those whose names have been associated with PEDs. Should they be in the Hall of Fame?
DEREK JETER: Well, I think that’s– that’s– it’s a tough question, right? It’s– it’s– you know, a question for if someone is accused, or someone has proven to do, right? // And– you know, some opinions change over time, some people are bullish on their opinions. It’s tough.
JEFF GLOR: You’re dancing around this.
DEREK JETER: Well, yeah, I am, you know why? Because, you know, I’ve played with players, you know, you– you pla14 Feb 2018 12:08:28 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/derek_jeter_weighs_in_on_whether_clemens_bonds_should_be_in_hall_of_fame_vid/s1_8061_25706651
http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/derek_jeter_weighs_in_on_whether_clemens_bonds_should_be_in_hall_of_fame_vid/s1_8061_25706651Derek Jeter won't say if Clemens, Bonds should be in HOFhttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/derek_jeter_weighs_in_on_whether_clemens_bonds_should_be_in_hall_of_fame_vid/s1_8061_25706651http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/9/4967531ec380ca0c9ffcc37b4190840c53a6072e/top_story/10459116.jpgClayton Kershaw wishes Yu Darvish signed with AL teamBringing back Yu Darvish would have allowed the Los Angeles Dodgers to keep together one of the most terrifying rotations in baseball for 2018 and beyond, but Darvish has instead signed with another National League contender. That makes Clayton Kershaw a tad nervous.While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Kershaw was asked for his thoughts on Darvish joining the Chicago Cubs. The three-time Cy Young Award winner says he would have preferred if Darvish went to the American League. The most surprising part about Darvish signing with the Cubs is that the Dodgers were reportedly in on the bidding right until the end, so it seems as though he chose a fresh start even after L.A. came just one win short of winning the World Series. As for why he opted to remain in the NL, that could have something to do with wanting to pitch in the NL and also the lack of offers he received.14 Feb 2018 12:01:31 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/clayton_kershaw_wishes_yu_darvish_signed_with_al_team/s1_127_25704743
http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/clayton_kershaw_wishes_yu_darvish_signed_with_al_team/s1_127_25704743Clayton Kershaw wishes Yu Darvish signed with AL teamhttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/clayton_kershaw_wishes_yu_darvish_signed_with_al_team/s1_127_25704743http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/7/479b5020c81fa52cf79c20931b81394ab43e0ba2/top_story/USATSI_10213054.jpgJustin Verlander dismisses notion that Yankees are AL team to beatLet it never be said that athletes don’t pay attention to what those in the media say about them. Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander proved on Tuesday that he’s quite aware of predictions that have been made.Chris Russo, host of MLB Network’s “High Heat,” made it clear that in the American League, the Yankees are the team to beat, specifically citing the additions of manager Aaron Boone and reigning National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton. “They bring Boone in and then on top of that, here comes Stanton who hit 59 home runs last year. If you put all of that on the table and the Red Sox have been sort of quiet, there’s no way you can think that the Yankees aren’t the team to beat in the American League. That’s not going to make Houston happy. But that is the truth.”Verlander responded on Twitter, making it known that he feels a little differently. Boone as a manager is a question mark. But certainly, Stanton will make the Yankees a better team than they were in 2017. Given that New York was narrowly defeate13 Feb 2018 23:10:25 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/justin_verlander_dismisses_notion_that_yankees_are_al_team_to_beat/s1_12680_25701029
http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/justin_verlander_dismisses_notion_that_yankees_are_al_team_to_beat/s1_12680_25701029Justin Verlander dismisses notion that Yankees are AL team to beathttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/justin_verlander_dismisses_notion_that_yankees_are_al_team_to_beat/s1_12680_25701029http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/f/7f53eb21c622dda31934a8161dfdfbef7a3e7ef1/top_story/10384083.jpgEx-MLB pitcher arrested with 44 pounds of cocaine, heroinFormer MLB pitcher Esteban Loaiza appears to have discovered a new career now that his playing days are over, but something tells us he may have trouble sustaining it.According to multiple reports, Loaiza was arrested in San Diego on Friday and charged with possessing and transporting narcotics for sale after police found him with more than 20 kilos of cocaine and/or heroin. That translates to more than 44 pounds, and Loaiza is being held on $200,000.Loaiza is due in court on Wednesday. Here are some details from the police records: Loaiza, 46, had a fairly successful MLB career. He pitched for eight different teams over 14 seasons and made two All-Star appearances, finishing with a career record of 126-114 and a 4.65 ERA.A report from Univision claims that Loaiza’s ex-wife, singer Jenni Rivera, was in the process of getting a divorce from Loaiza before she died in a plane crash in 2012. She reportedly cited financial impropriety as one of the reasons she wanted a split.H/T Hardball Talk12 Feb 2018 22:47:31 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/ex_mlb_pitcher_esteban_loaiza_arrested_with_44_pounds_of_cocaine_heroin/s1_127_25688159
http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/ex_mlb_pitcher_esteban_loaiza_arrested_with_44_pounds_of_cocaine_heroin/s1_127_25688159Ex-MLB pitcher arrested with 44 pounds of cocaine, heroinhttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/ex_mlb_pitcher_esteban_loaiza_arrested_with_44_pounds_of_cocaine_heroin/s1_127_25688159http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/d/fdd295bb8ac48e49cb29893fd7b56a2cefa8d2eb/top_story/GettyImages-3249704.jpgReport: Rockies not signing Ichiro Suzuki despite rumorOne reporter threw some cold water on a rumor that tied Ichiro Suzuki to the Colorado Rockies.Japanese outlet Sanspo.com reported that Ichiro, who is a free agent, had some talks with the Rockies.Despite that report, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal says Ichiro will not be joining the Rockies. Ichiro, 44, became a free agent after the Miami Marlins declined his $2 million option after the season. His agent has been working hard to find him a job with an MLB team and has said a return to Japan is possible if nothing in MLB materializes.12 Feb 2018 21:10:01 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/report_rockies_not_signing_ichiro_suzuki_despite_rumor/s1_127_25692536
http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/report_rockies_not_signing_ichiro_suzuki_despite_rumor/s1_127_25692536Report: Rockies not signing Ichiro Suzuki despite rumorhttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/report_rockies_not_signing_ichiro_suzuki_despite_rumor/s1_127_25692536http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/5/653b0e360af9d5d5d5306d832a10429b4246ed79/top_story/10320528.jpgGossage blasts Cashman after instructor role revokedThe New York Yankees did not extend an invitation to Hall of Famer Goose Gossage to act as a guest instructor for spring training for the first time in two years, and he’s not taking it lying down.Gossage, who was not invited due to his history of controversial comments about the state of the game, blasted Yankee GM Brian Cashman for the decision and also took on what he feels is the declining state of the game.“I don’t like Cashman,” Gossage told Brendan Kuty of NJ Advance Media. “That’s all. It’s not a secret.”Gossage blasted Cashman, saying that the GM would prefer to “have a nerd in uniform” as manager instead of what he perceives to be “baseball people.”“If he had any balls, he’d do what he wants to do,” Gossage said of Cashman. “He doesn’t think he needs any baseball people around. Maybe he’s right. The way the game is being run today, maybe you don’t.“The game is so different today. Like I said, real baseball guys for years made a career out of baseball. You’re not a coach anymore. You have to be their12 Feb 2018 22:50:57 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/goose_gossage_blasts_brian_cashman_after_instructor_role_revoked/s1_127_25691000
http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/goose_gossage_blasts_brian_cashman_after_instructor_role_revoked/s1_127_25691000Gossage blasts Cashman after instructor role revokedhttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/goose_gossage_blasts_brian_cashman_after_instructor_role_revoked/s1_127_25691000http://www.yardbarker.com/media/5/3/53993e9896bdfe0084df49b309bd962eac15ae6a/top_story/USATSI_9337009.jpgEsteban Loaiza was reportedly dealing cocaine near preschoolFormer MLB pitcher Esteban Loaiza was arrested on drug charges Friday, and the details surrounding the arrest make it clear police were not dealing with an isolated incident.According to information that has been released by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Loaiza was targeted as part of a drug-smuggling sting by the Border Crime Suppression Team. He was stopped on Feb. 9 for a minor traffic violation, and police discovered a “sophisticated aftermarket compartment used to conceal contraband,” per reports obtained by TMZ. That led to a warrant to search Loaiza’s home.When police searched a home Loaiza has been renting since earlier in the month, they found 20 kilos — which is around 44 pounds — of cocaine. The estimated street value of the drugs is $500,000. Perhaps the most disturbing part of the arrest is that Loaiza’s home is located just “steps away from an area preschool.”Loaiza was booked on charges of possession of cocaine over 20 kilograms, possession of cocaine for sale, and transportation o12 Feb 2018 14:06:44 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/esteban_loaiza_was_reportedly_dealing_cocaine_near_preschool/s1_127_25689692
http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/esteban_loaiza_was_reportedly_dealing_cocaine_near_preschool/s1_127_25689692Esteban Loaiza was reportedly dealing cocaine near preschoolhttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/esteban_loaiza_was_reportedly_dealing_cocaine_near_preschool/s1_127_25689692http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/3/e3ce5c66c6cafc437a7de89c82fa462a64fce0a3/top_story/GettyImages-76784676.jpgYankees reportedly never made contract offer to Yu DarvishThe deal Yu Darvish agreed to with the Chicago Cubs on Saturday looks like a great value for the team, and that could have something to do with the usual suspects not getting in on the bidding.According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the New York Yankees never made an offer to Darvish. Like the Dodgers, the Yankees have been hesitant to hand out any more big contracts unless they can clear some salary off their books. Although, there were reports that Los Angeles was in on the Darvish bidding right up until the final hour and the right-hander still chose the Cubs.Darvish has a 3.42 career ERA with 1,021 strikeouts in 832.1 career innings. He’s also just 31, so the fact that he did not receive massive offers like some others with his resume in past years is one of the sources of contention between MLB players and teams.11 Feb 2018 11:51:58 -0500http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/yankees_reportedly_never_made_contract_offer_to_yu_darvish/s1_127_25680182
http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/yankees_reportedly_never_made_contract_offer_to_yu_darvish/s1_127_25680182Yankees reportedly never made contract offer to Yu Darvishhttp://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/yankees_reportedly_never_made_contract_offer_to_yu_darvish/s1_127_25680182http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/0/e007e3e82970cbc62cc1575a70d32ef282abbfa1/top_story/10385929.jpg